WORLD NEWS
Women get drunk faster than men due to biology not tolerance – DW – 12/22/2025
Even in Paris’s hard-drinking intellectual circles, French philosopher and feminist icon Simone de Beauvoir found that a glass of wine hit harder than expected. De Beauvoir once joked that two glasses left her feeling quite dizzy, long before any existential debates began.
Decades later, science can explain why: Women’s bodies process alcohol differently from men’s — often faster and more intensely — and women’s brains also respond more strongly to its rewarding effects, even when drinking the same amount as men.
How alcohol moves through the body
Alcohol affects the body almost immediately. Before it hits the stomach, taste buds signal the brain, causing small changes in heart rate, blood flow, and brain chemistry to get the body ready.
When you swallow alcohol, a little is absorbed in the stomach, but most moves to the small intestine, where it quickly enters the blood.
Some of it is broken down in the stomach and liver by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), a process known as first-pass metabolism (FPM).
In 1990, researchers gave 20 men and 23 women the same amount of alcohol — adjusted for each individual’s body weight. The women drank the same amount as the men — but their bodies filtered out less alcohol early on, so more of it entered the bloodstream, resulting in higher blood alcohol levels on average.
But intoxication isn’t only about how fast alcohol enters the blood. What happens next — in the brain — also differs by biological sex.
Binge drinking — or ‘the cookie overload’
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Sex differences and the body weight debate
Scientists broadly agree that women, on average, feel the effects of alcohol sooner. Where they disagree is on why this is the case.
Rainer Spanagel, a German neuropharmacologist and addiction researcher, cites body weight as the dominant factor. “It’s not the enzyme,” he told DW, “it’s body weight.”
Ethanol, Spanagel explained, distributes evenly throughout the body’s so-called compartments — including the brain and organs.
Smaller bodies mean smaller compartments. “If a man drinks half a bottle of wine, and a woman drinks the same, the same amount of ethanol accumulates in a smaller body.”
But other researchers argue that weight alone does not explain everything about alcohol’s effect on women.
Beyond size: enzymes, body composition, and the brain
Alcohol starts working the moment it’s consumed and keeps influencing the body well after it hits the brain.
“Maybe not so much body weight or size, but composition has a bigger difference in sex-differences,” said Edward Scotts from Louisiana State University, who studies neurobiological mechanisms of alcohol use disorder.
Women usually have more body fat and less water than men, so alcohol becomes more concentrated in their blood.
“That’s in addition to the ADH difference,” Scotts added. ADH, he said, was a crucial early filter.
“As you drink the alcohol, it goes to your stomach first, and you have some ADH within your stomach — but men have more than women,” he said. “Therefore, men are able to metabolize it much faster at the initial stage.”
This intrinsic difference helps explain why health guidelines define binge or hazardous drinking differently for men and women.
Jill Becker, a researcher at the University of Michigan, who specializes in sex-based differences in the brain and behavior, said metabolism and absorption shape intoxication but that everyday drinking rarely accounts for this process.
“A glass of wine is the same size whether it’s a man or a woman [drinking it],” Becker said. “I don’t ask her how much she weighs and give her less.”
As a result, women often receive a higher dose relative to their bodies before the enzymes even begin to act.
Alcohol addiction in women or how alcohol affects the brain’s reward systems
Once alcohol reaches the brain, women show a phenomenon known as telescoping: a markedly faster progression from use to dependence. “They become addicted more rapidly and consume larger quantities in a shorter period of time,” said Becker.
Becker’s observation is supported by research showing that women move more quickly than men from first use to severe alcohol‑related problems and to treatment entry, often after fewer years of drinking and lower lifetime consumption.
Clinical studies in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s consistently found women experience shorter intervals between key drinking milestones, despite typically beginning regular use later in life than men.
Hormones play a role, too. Estradiol, the primary hormone produced by the ovaries, enhances dopamine release in the brain.
Alcohol indirectly increases dopamine — and estradiol amplifies its effect.
“During ovulation, women tend to like substances more,” Becker explained, increasing the likelihood of their drinking more alcohol.
And stress also matters. Women are more likely than men to use alcohol to self-medicate for anxiety or depression.
“Certainly, some men will self-medicate,” said Becker, “but a larger percentage of women are taking alcohol and drugs to self-medicate.”
What does the liver do?
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Rethinking equality at the bar
For Becker, science has social implications. “I’m a woman of the 1970s, second-wave feminism,” she said. “There was a strong belief [then] that we had the right to drink like men.”
That belief was rooted in equality — but biology can complicate equality.
“Women need to be aware that not only are they going to get drunk more rapidly if they drink shots with the guy standing next to them,” said Becker, “but that the long-term consequences can also be more devastating.”
The takeaway is not about restriction, but understanding. Alcohol does not hit harder because women are weaker drinkers. It hits harder because women’s bodies, enzymes, hormones, and brains respond differently, long before tolerance ever comes into play.
Edited by: Zulfikar Abbany
WORLD NEWS
Mani’s A-list line up: Liam Gallagher joins Stone Roses stars Ian Brown, John Squire and Alan Wren and Primal Scream’s Bobbie Gillespie as pallbearers for Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s final journey
Rock legends and footballers came together today to pay farewell to Stone Roses legend Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield at his funeral.
The ceremony at Manchester Cathedral had guests including Stone Roses singer Ian Brown and Paul Weller, while David Beckham and Gary Neville – legends of Mani’s beloved Manchester United – also attended, along with Liam Gallagher.
Mounfield died in his sleep aged 63 of ‘respiratory issues’ after having the lung condition emphysema, it was revealed last week.
He was found at his Stockport home on November 20 after collapsing following a seizure, with family sources saying an ambulance was called but he could not be revived.
His death came two years after his wife of 25 years, Imelda died after suffering from bowel cancer. They are survived by their 12-year-old sons Gene and George.
A black hearse containing his coffin first left Heaton Moor, with white flowers forming the words ‘R Kid’ – while among the mourners were Charlatans singer Tim Burgess, Oasis guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs and Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie.
Ian Brown said outside: ‘We will celebrate his life like the beautiful human being that he was – he’s a brother to me.’ He was later among the pallbearers carrying the coffin out, alongside John Squire, Alan Wren, Bobby Gillespie and Liam Gallagher.
The coffin – decorated in artwork reflecting the cover of the Stone Roses’ self-titled debut album in 1989 – had been applauded as it arrived for the service starting at 11.30am, while the band’s anthem I Wanna Be Adored was played over speakers.
Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s coffin was carried out today by pallbearers including former Stone Rosees bandmates Alan ‘Reni’ Wren (left) and John Squire (right) plus Liam Gallagher (centre)
Also seen with the coffin were the Stone Roses’ Ian Brown and Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie
David Beckham paid his tributes to the late Stone Roses bass player Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield
Paul Weller was among today’s mourners, seen holding an order of service outside the service
Among the mourners was David Beckham, who played for Manchester United – Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s beloved football club
Oasis singer Liam Gallagher was also among those arriving to pay tribute
Also attending was former The Jam and Style Council star Paul Weller
Stone Roses singer Ian Brown was seen among the mourners arriving for today’s service
Also there was Stone Roses lead guitarist John Squire
Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie told those attending the service: ‘Mani’s not dead, he’s just gone. He will always live forever in my soul and mind’.
He told the congregation: ‘Mani’s warm and welcoming manner, treating me like an equal, made me feel like a million dollars and I’ll never forget that.
‘No one was too important to escape his laser eye ability to cut the pretentious and self-important down to size, myself included.
‘His ability to make laughter out of any situation was our great value wherever we were in the world.’
Brown told the service there should be a 50ft golden statue commemorating Mani put up in Manchester.
He also said: ‘Mani was like a brother to me , a musical comrade. Beautiful soul and spirit. Mani was able to laugh his way through any darkness. He was the life and soul of any room he was in.’
Afterwards, the coffin was carried by Gillespie and fellow Primal Scream member Andrew Innes, Gallagher and Mani’s Stone Roses bandmates Ian Brown, John Squire and Alan ‘Reni’ Wren – while Beckham was pictured touching the coffin.
Songs played as the service ended including Bob Marley’s Redemption Song and Goin’ Back, written by legendary 1960s partnership Gerry Goffin and Carole King.
This was the scene overlooking Manchester Cathedral as people gathered to honour Mani
Greg Mounfield is seen attending the funeral of his brother Gary Mounfield, known as Mani
The coffin was decorated in the style of John Squire’s artwork for the Stone Roses’ debut LP
Stone Roses singer Ian Brown appeared emotional as he greeted fellow guests at the funeral
Also there and among the pallbearers were Liam Gallagher (centre) and Bobby Gillespie (right)
Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie was among those who spoke at the funeral service
This framed portrait of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield was displayed among today’s tributes
The cortege is seen leaving the funeral service for Mani, the father of two young sons
Stone Roses drummer Alan ‘Reni’ Wren (left) and Liam Gallagher (right) helped carry the coffin
The coffin was carried out by stars including Bobby Gillespie, John Squire and Liam Gallagher
The funeral of Stone Roses star Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield is taking place at Manchester Cathedral
David Beckham is seen holding an invitation to the service, alongside Gary Neville
The Charlatans’ frontman Tim Burgess (left) was among those arriving today for the funeral
Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs (left) from Oasis was also seen arriving for the funeral service
Mark Berry, known as Bez, a dancer with the Happy Mondays, was among today’s mourners
A framed photograph of Gary Mounfield was seen arriving among floral tributes
Former Joy Division and New Order bass player Peter Hook was among other mourners
Sir David Beckham is pictured today embracing Mani’s brother Greg Mounfield
The bassist’s brother Greg first confirmed the news of Mani’s passing last month, writing: ‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. Gary Mani Mounfield RIP.’ He added in the comments section: ‘Reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda.’
Glen was seen being embraced outside today’s funeral by Sir David Beckham.
The Stone Roses took to X to share a throwback photo of Gary playing the bass and wrote: ‘RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for. X.’
Lead singer Ian Brown, 62, took to his own page to share his tribute: ‘Rest In Peace Mani.’
His appearance at today’s funeral alongside former bandmates John Squire and Alan ‘Reni’ Wren came despite past disputes that saw the group split in 1996, with Squire announcing he was quitting – then again, after a 2011 reunion, in 2017.
Mani’s death came less than a week after he announced an intimate in-conversation tour of the UK.
The musician shot to fame with The Stone Roses, but they went their separate ways in 1996 and he went on to join Primal Scream.
Then in 2011 he announced he had left the band to reunite with The Stone Roses for a huge stadium tour.
During the 13-month long recording of the second Stone Roses album Second Coming at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales, Mani met his wife Imelda.
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher previously described Mani as a ‘hero’
He was seen in Manchester today looking sombre, alongside his partner Debbie Gwyther
David Beckham (left) and Gary Neville (right) were among those paying tribute
Stone Roses frontman was among the attenders at Monday’s funeral for Gary Mounfield
Former Happy Mondays member ‘Bez’ was also in attendance at today’s commemoration
The singer Rowetta, who also worked with the Happy Mondays, is seen attending today
Rowetta paid tribute to Mani on X, saying: ‘Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him’
Ex-Manchester United stars David Beckham and Gary Neville were among mourners arriving
Former Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim and ex-Smiths drummer Mike Joyce also attended
Also there was former Inspiral Carpets keyboardist and frontman Clint Boon
Guy Garvey, Radio 6 Music presenter and singer for fellow Manchester band Elbow, arrived
A funeral director places a framed photo of Mani beside his coffin in the rear of the hearse as it arrives for his funeral
Mike Joyce, drummer with 1980s Manchester group the Smiths, was seen arriving on Monday
Mourners watching on outside Manchester Cathedral saw a hearse carrying this floral tribute
Also there on Monday was Ian McCulloch, singer with indie band Echo & the Bunnymen
This badge paying tribute to Mani was worn by one mourner
Mods on scooters escort the cortege to the funeral service of Gary Mounfield
Mani’s former bandmate and Stone Roses guitarist John Squire was seen outside the cathedral
Flowers reading ‘Mani’ are seen in the hearse on arrival for the Manchester Cathedral service
Another floral tribute reads an affectionate message of ‘R KID’
Sir David Beckham is seen entering Manchester Cathedral for Monday’s ceremony
The coffin was applauded as it arrived at Manchester Cathedral for the 11.30pm service
Fans lined the streets of the city to pay their own tributes to Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield
The hearse bearing his coffin is seen arriving at Manchester Cathedral on Monday morning
A parade of scooters accompanying the procession carried their separate tributes to Mani
This scooter honoured both Mani and his wife Imelda who died of bowel cancer two years ago
A banner honoured Mani while also referencing his favourite team Manchester United
Clint Boon from fellow Manchester band the Inspiral Carpets is seen at today’s funeral
Mark Berry, better known as Bez, from the Happy Mondays, was pictured outside the cathedral
Also there was another of Mani’s former Stone Roses bandmates, guitarist Aziz Ibrahim
The Stone Roses legend Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s died last month aged 63
Also there was musician and journalist John Robb, formerly of the band the Membranes
John Squire, Mani, Ian Brown and Reni of The Stone Roses (pictured L-R on October 2011)
Mani’s wife Imelda (pictured in 2013) died from cancer two years ago – they are survived by their 12-year-old sons, Gene and George
In the wake of her cancer diagnosis, Imelda and Mani held a number of charity fundraisers to raise money for good causes The Christie Hospital, The Stockport Charitable Trust and Maggie’s.
They raised funds for charity by organising auctions of items from David Beckham and Oasis.
Imelda told the BBC: ‘I just don’t want to be sat thinking about cancer and illness all the time, because it is all-consuming.
‘And this was just a way to balance that out – to give myself something else to think about but something positive.
‘Sometimes I have bad days and demon days and I’ll have side effects. And other times people haven’t got a clue that I’m ill because I try and carry on as best as I can.’
Imelda’s death came weeks after The Stone Roses’ bassist Pete died aged 61 – reportedly after a cancer battle.
The musician was the Manchester band’s original bassist but quit the group in 1987 to work in HMV because he did not feel worthy of being in the group.
Mani was last seen out in public at the funeral of Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral in October.
Among those turning out on Monday was former Coronation Street actress Sally Lindsay
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was among the mourners at Mani’s funeral
Pallbearers carry the coffin of Gary “Mani” Mounfield, former member of rock bands The Stone Roses and Primal Scream
The design of the coffin reflected the artwork for the Stone Roses’ debut album from 1989
Liam Gallagher and his partner Debbie Gwyther had their head bowed when arriving
Many people lined the streets of Manchester ahead of the ceremony at the city’s cathedral
The Stones Roses’ Reni, Mani, Ian and John are photographed in a London studio in July 1990
Mani was last pictured at the funeral of Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral in October
His brother Greg announced on Facebook: ‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. Gary Mani Mounfield RIP’
Lead singer Ian Brown shared this post on Twitter
The Stone Roses took to X to share a photo of Gary playing the bass when he died and wrote: ‘RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for. X’
Liam Gallagher and Shaun Ryder also paid tributes following his death last month to Mani, who also played for Primal Scream.
Oasis star Liam, who was a close friend of Mani’s, took to X and wrote: ‘In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani my hero. RIP.’
Happy Mondays star Shaun shared a photo of the pair together and wrote: ‘RIP Mani – my heartfelt condolensces to his twin boys and all of his family.’
Kasabian drummer Ian Matthews wrote: ‘So sad to learn of the passing of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield. He was a true gentleman, and a wonderful musician. A massive legend!’
Kasabian also shared a tribute on their official band account, writing: ‘Sad and shocked to hear the news.’
‘RIP Mani. Beautiful man, Manchester Icon, a huge talent with huge heart and one of our first industry supporters as a band. You will be missed massively X.’
Police are now treating an alleged attack on a 33-year-old Huddersfield mum as murder after she tragically passed away in hospital
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A new row over the future of Greenland has erupted between Denmark and the US after Donald Trump appointed a special envoy to the territory.
The US President announced that he had appointed Louisiana’s governor Jeff Landry to the position on Sunday, saying “Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security”.
Mr Landry then wrote on X: “It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US.”
But Greenland is currently a semi-autonomous part of Denmark, which is unhappy about Trump’s latest move. The country has summoned the US ambassador in protest, with its foreign minister saying the move shows the US is still interested in the vast Danish territory.
President Donald Trump has said America ‘needs’ Greenland for ‘international security’.
Trump has repeatedly called for the US to take over over the mineral rich and strategically located Arctic island, since winning his second term, and has not ruled out using military force to achieve it.
Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Landry’s comments were “completely unacceptable” and that everyone – including the US – must show respect for Denmark’s territorial integrity.
NATO allies Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany and France took part in military drills in Greenland, where the US has a military base, in September. Pic: Reuters
Greenland back in the headlines
In March, US Vice President JD Vance visited a remote American military base in Greenland and accused Denmark – a NATO ally of the US – of underinvesting there.
The issue then gradually drifted out of the headlines but, in August, Danish officials again summoned the US ambassador – following a report that at least three people with connections to Trump had carried out covert influence operations in Greenland.
On Sunday, Trump said: “Jeff [Louisiana’s governor] understands how essential Greenland is to our national security and will strongly advance our country’s interests for the safety, security, and survival of our allies, and indeed, the world.”
Earlier this month, the Danish Defence Intelligence Service said in an annual report that the US was using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against friend and foe alike.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (left) greets Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
Read more:
Head of US Greenland base sacked after criticising JD Vance
Denmark’s PM says “you can’t spy against an ally”
The report also highlighted the rising strategic importance of the Arctic to great power countries as “conflict between Russia and the West intensifies.
It went on to say that the growing security and strategic focus on the Arctic by the US would “further accelerate these developments”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia is worried about NATO’s activities in the Arctic and will respond by strengthening its military capability in the polar region.
WORLD NEWS
Israeli military storms West Bank towns, carries out demolition | Occupied West Bank News
Palestinian officials condemn the actions as part of a ‘systematic policy of displacement’ in the occupied territory.
Israeli forces have stormed towns in the occupied West Bank and demolished a residential building.
Soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas on Monday as they carried out the demolition in East Jerusalem. Palestinian officials accused Israel of a campaign of displacement in the city, saying the operation was part of a systematic attempt to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from their land.
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Scores of Palestinians were displaced as Israeli bulldozers tore through a four-storey residential building. Activists called it the largest such demolition in the area this year.
Three bulldozers destroyed the building with 13 apartments in the Wadi Qaddum neighbourhood of the Silwan district, south of Jerusalem’s Old City, Al Jazeera Arabic correspondents reported.
Israeli forces cordoned off surrounding roads, deployed heavily across the area and positioned security personnel on the rooftops of neighbouring houses. During the operation, a young man and a teenage boy were arrested.
Residents were told the demolition order was issued because the building had been constructed without a permit.
Palestinians face severe obstacles in obtaining building permits due to Israel’s restrictive planning policies, activists say, a policy that they assert is part of a systematic attempt to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from their land.
Israel’s security cabinet has recently approved the recognition of 19 new settlements in the West Bank, expanding the total number approved this year to 69 as the government continues its settlement push.
‘Systematic policy of displacement’
The Jerusalem governorate, affiliated with the Palestinian Authority, condemned the demolition.
“The building’s destruction is part of a systematic policy aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinian residents and emptying the city of its original inhabitants,” the governorate said in a statement.
“Any demolition that expels residents from their homes constitutes a clear occupation plan to replace the land’s owners with settlers.”
The Jerusalem municipality, an Israeli authority whose jurisdiction over East Jerusalem is not recognised under international law, said the demolition was based on a 2014 court order.
Israeli human rights groups Ir Amim and Bimkom said the demolition was carried out without warning despite a scheduled meeting on Monday to discuss steps to legalise the building.
“This is part of an ongoing policy. This year alone, around 100 East Jerusalem families have lost their homes,” the groups said, calling Monday’s demolition the largest of 2025.
Escalated attacks
Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces damaged agricultural land and uprooted trees in the northern town of Silat al-Harithiya.
In the city of Halhul, north of Hebron, Israeli forces stormed several neighbourhoods with large numbers of military vehicles, deployed sniper teams and took up positions across the city.
Al Jazeera Arabic journalists reported that Israeli vehicles entered Halhul through multiple checkpoints, including Nabi Yunis, while closing the Halhul Bridge checkpoint linking the city to Hebron.
Since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have also sharply escalated attacks across the West Bank.
More than 1,102 Palestinians have been killed in the territory, about 11,000 wounded and more than 21,000 arrested, according to Palestinian figures.
WORLD NEWS
Tories call EHRC chair’s comments a ‘disgrace’ after she warns ‘demonisation of migrants’ bad for UK – politics live | Politics
Tories call new EHRC chair ‘disgrace’ after she says ‘demonisation of migrants’ bad for UK
The Conservatives and Reform UK have strongly criticised the new head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission for criticising the “demonisation” of migrants”.
Mary-Ann Stephenson, who took up her post as chair of the EHRC at the start of the month, appealed for restraint in language used to discuss migrants in an interview with PA Media published last night.
The interview, as published, largely focused on Stephenson’s thoughts about the European convention on human rights. But it also included this comment from her about immigration.
I think it’s really important that we have honesty in the way that we talk about human rights, and that we also have a recognition that the demonisation of migrants, the creating this idea that migration causes huge risks for the country, can make the lives not just of migrants to the UK, but of ethnic minority UK citizens, very, very difficult.
Stephenson did not specify who or what she was referring to, but the rise in the number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK on small boats in recent years has coincided with an upsurge in hostile comments about migrants in the rightwing media, and from Reform UK and the Tories.
Much of this negative commentary links migration with criminality, on the basis of partial, contested or nonexistent evidence and there has been much more of this from the Conservative party since they lost the election and since Rishi Sunak was replaced as leader by Kemi Badenoch. Only last week Badenoch responded to the publication of the government’s violence against women and girls strategy by implying that the main threat to women comes not from British men, but from migrants.
This morning the Daily Telegraph has splashed on Stephenson’s comments. Its story includes a quote from Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, saying:
Reform believes we should deport terrorists, rapists and serious foreign criminals. The vast majority will agree with me that we must prioritise the rights of British people, whatever their ethnicity.
This morning Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, went further. He issued a statement saying:
These comments by the new Labour-appointed human rights chief are a disgrace. Once again, the left tries paint those opposed to mass immigration and illegal immigration as racist.
Mass migration with no integration has undermined social cohesion. Sex crimes by foreign nationals are up 62%, foreign criminals and illegal immigrants routinely abuse human rights, modern slavery and asylum laws to stay in the UK.
This nonsense has to end. It is completely wrong that Labour’s new human rights chief dismisses legitimate concerns about mass migration and crimes committed by foreign nationals – including the recent spate of rapes and sex attacks committed by small boat illegal immigrants.
Stephenson was appointed by the Labour government to replace Lady Falkner, who was appointed by the last Conservative government. Previously Stephenson ran the Women’s Budget Group, a feminist, economic thinktank.
Mary-Ann Stephenson. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PAShare
Updated at 11.30 CET
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‘Abusing Muslims is not going to fix this country’ – a Guardian video about rising hate crime in UK
Mary-Ann Stephenson, the new chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has said that the “demonisation of migrants” is bad for Britain. (See 10.21am.)
This morning we have published a video report illustrating what she is worried about. It is about the rise in hate crimes, and it features the Muslim journalist Taj Ali visiting smaller more isolated minority communities around the UK to find out the impact this is having.
‘Abusing Muslims is not going to fix this country’: rising hate in the UKShare
Starmer hosts Christmas dinner at Downing Street for almost 100 public sector workers as thank you for their ‘dedication’
Keir Starmer has hosted a dinner in Downing Street for almost 100 public sector workers and their families to show his appreciation for their “extraordinary dedication” to the country.
In a post on his Substack blog, he referred to people who would be working on Christmas Day and said he wanted to pass on his thanks to all people who have to make sacrifices on behalf of others.
He said:
I remember thinking that the pandemic really showed just how dependent we all are upon the workers that keep our country going. But just because we are out of those times, does not mean that their sacrifice for all of us has stopped. Quite the opposite. So on behalf of everyone in the country, I would like to thank them and their colleagues who are heading out to work on Christmas Day to keep the rest of us safe and healthy. It’s a huge sacrifice, and it lets the rest of us celebrate Christmas with our families in peace.
Describing the Downing Street dinner, he said:
We laid out 17 tables in a single-run through the first floor, decorated with 10 table runners, 60 miniature Christmas trees, 70 tea lights, a Christmas cracker for each person, and 93 hand-written place cards.
In the corner we set up a hot chocolate station for the kids with gingerbread, Christmas stickers, arts and crafts.
In his blog Starmer also named two of the people invited as examples of the sort of people who attended: Zoe Rufus, a nurse from Lancashire who has also fundraised for the hospitals where she works, “collecting over 600 Easter eggs that she donated to the neurosurgery and children’s ward earlier this year in April”; and Stacey Bailey, a detective sergeant specialising in digital capabilities who has been nominated for a leadership award and whose work has had “a massive impact on the quality of investigations and better outcomes for victims”.
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Animal rights groups are mostly positive about the animal welfare strategy being published today. (See 9.26am and 9.36am.) Here are some of their comments.
About the proposals for farm animals
From Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns and public affairs at Humane World for Animals UK
The government’s commitment to phase out the use of farrowing crates for mother pigs is extremely welcome. We are concerned that this and other measures are being held hostage by ongoing trade negotiations with the EU because if the UK doesn’t clearly protect our right to set our own animal welfare standards, we will be unable to stop cruel products, like pork from caged pigs, from coming into our country, which could undermine the viability of a crate ban for British farmers. We need the government to ensure that high animal welfare standards are a foundation of our trade policy, not a casualty of it.
From Georgie Hancock, public affairs lead at the Humane League UK
Overall this a very promising strategy – but the mooted bans on cages need to be implemented before we can truly celebrate. However, the direction of travel for farmed animals suggests the government understands the need to reform factory farming.
But some of the rhetoric in the press, that this strategy is a war on farmers, needs massive pushback. Making British farming more compassionate makes the lives of animals and farmers better, as workers won’t need to collect as many dead animals or see so much suffering.
While we would also love to see animal welfare standards be applied to imports, we should not make the perfect the enemy of the good.
From Lindsay Duncan, farming campaigns manager at World Animal Protection
We welcome the inclusion of a ban on cages for laying hens and on crates for mother pigs in the government’s animal welfare strategy, being published today. These measures address some of the cruellest elements of UK factory farming. But they do not go far enough.
Most farmed animals are raised in environments that cause needless suffering and create huge climate, environmental and human health costs. Animal welfare is a strong indicator of the harms a system does to people and planet – what is bad for one is bad for the other.
Despite the animal welfare strategy being announced in advance of the national food strategy and farming vision in 2026, there are few indications it will seek to halt the expansion of factory farming and embed a just transition to an equitable, humane and sustainable food system that has animal welfare at its core.
About the proposals for pets
From Owen Sharp, chief executive of the Dogs Trust
We welcome the government’s new animal welfare strategy, particularly its commitment to delivering the measures set out in the recently passed animal welfare bill, which will prevent the import of underage puppies, heavily pregnant dogs and dogs with mutilations. We are also pleased that the government plans to consult on the regulation of rehoming centres. We have seen too many cases of neglect and fatalities involving dogs at the hands of unregulated individuals, and the public strongly supports mandatory licensing and regular inspections.
It is also positive that the government intends to consult on banning the use of cruel and unnecessary electric shock collars. However, we are disappointed that the proposals stop short of committing to a full ban on the sale of shock collars and other aversive devices.
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Greens broadly welcome animal welfare strategy, but urge PM to follow Wales in banning greyhound racing
The Green party has broadly welcomed the government’s animal welfare strategy. In a statement, the Green MP Adrian Ramsay said:
There is much to welcome in the animal welfare strategy, but it must have real teeth to deliver for animals. Ministers must set clear timescales to phase out crates and cages, properly support farmers through the transition and not allow imports that don’t meet UK standards.
I welcome the action on snares, hunting and puppy farming. Puppy legislation must end breeding for extreme, unhealthy traits in dogs. The strategy could go further for animals, particularly by ending greyhound racing, as the Welsh government is doing.
Ending the use of farrowing crates and cages – as we called for in the cross-party letter I organised – is particularly crucial for tackling cruelty, and the strategy must set out how and when this will happen.
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Resident doctors say they will resume talks to avoid further strikes with ‘can-do spirit’
Resident doctors have said they will approach talks with Wes Streeting with a “can-do spirit” to avoid further strikes in the new year, as their five-day action ended this morning. Rowena Mason has the story.
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In her interview with PA Media, Mary-Anne Stephenson, the new chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, also criticised calls for the UK to leave the European convention on human rights. This is a policy supported by both Reform UK and the Conservative party, although Stephenson did not talk about that in the published interview remarks. Kevin Rawlinson has more on what she said on this topic here.
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Tories call new EHRC chair ‘disgrace’ after she says ‘demonisation of migrants’ bad for UK
The Conservatives and Reform UK have strongly criticised the new head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission for criticising the “demonisation” of migrants”.
Mary-Ann Stephenson, who took up her post as chair of the EHRC at the start of the month, appealed for restraint in language used to discuss migrants in an interview with PA Media published last night.
The interview, as published, largely focused on Stephenson’s thoughts about the European convention on human rights. But it also included this comment from her about immigration.
I think it’s really important that we have honesty in the way that we talk about human rights, and that we also have a recognition that the demonisation of migrants, the creating this idea that migration causes huge risks for the country, can make the lives not just of migrants to the UK, but of ethnic minority UK citizens, very, very difficult.
Stephenson did not specify who or what she was referring to, but the rise in the number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK on small boats in recent years has coincided with an upsurge in hostile comments about migrants in the rightwing media, and from Reform UK and the Tories.
Much of this negative commentary links migration with criminality, on the basis of partial, contested or nonexistent evidence and there has been much more of this from the Conservative party since they lost the election and since Rishi Sunak was replaced as leader by Kemi Badenoch. Only last week Badenoch responded to the publication of the government’s violence against women and girls strategy by implying that the main threat to women comes not from British men, but from migrants.
This morning the Daily Telegraph has splashed on Stephenson’s comments. Its story includes a quote from Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, saying:
Reform believes we should deport terrorists, rapists and serious foreign criminals. The vast majority will agree with me that we must prioritise the rights of British people, whatever their ethnicity.
This morning Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, went further. He issued a statement saying:
These comments by the new Labour-appointed human rights chief are a disgrace. Once again, the left tries paint those opposed to mass immigration and illegal immigration as racist.
Mass migration with no integration has undermined social cohesion. Sex crimes by foreign nationals are up 62%, foreign criminals and illegal immigrants routinely abuse human rights, modern slavery and asylum laws to stay in the UK.
This nonsense has to end. It is completely wrong that Labour’s new human rights chief dismisses legitimate concerns about mass migration and crimes committed by foreign nationals – including the recent spate of rapes and sex attacks committed by small boat illegal immigrants.
Stephenson was appointed by the Labour government to replace Lady Falkner, who was appointed by the last Conservative government. Previously Stephenson ran the Women’s Budget Group, a feminist, economic thinktank.
Mary-Ann Stephenson. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PAShare
Updated at 11.30 CET
What’s in government’s new animal welfare strategy?
Here is a summary from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of what’s in the animal welfare strategy.
Improved welfare for companion animals by:
-Reforming dog breeding practices to improve health and welfare, preventing animals from becoming unwell and ending puppy farming
-Consulting on a ban on the use of electric shock collars due to the possible harm to our pets
-Considering the introduction of new licences for domestic rescue and rehoming organisations to ensure rescues have the right checks in place
-Promoting responsible dog ownership to protect public safety
Improved welfare for farmed animals by:
-Moving away from confinement systems such as colony cages for laying hens and the use of pig farrowing crates
-Addressing the welfare issues that arise from the use of carbon dioxide to stun pigs because of animal welfare concerns
-Introducing humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish to spare them avoidable pain
-Promoting the use of slow growing meat chicken breeds
Protection for wild animals by:
-Banning trail hunting amidst concerns it is being used as a smokescreen for hunting
-Banning snare traps because they cause suffering to animals and can catch pets
-Introducing a close season for hares which should reduce the number of adult hares being shot in the breeding season, meaning that fewer young hares are left motherless and vulnerable to starvation and predation
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Ministers defend ‘most ambitious animal welfare strategy in generation’ as NFU claims it could undermine British farming
Good morning. Parliament is in recess, ministers, like everyone else, are getting ready for Christmas, but the government does have a big announcement today – its animal welfare strategy. The document is being published later today, but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has already published a good summary here.
There are multiple strands to what is being proposed. As Helena Horton reported at the weekend, there are plans to ban trail hunting and shooting hares during most of the year.
And there will be higher welfare standards for farmed animals, including the banning of colony cages for chickens, and pig farrowing crates.
The Conservatives are claiming this will lead to British farmers being undercut by rivals from countries where standards are lower. In her response to the plans, Victoria Atkins, the shadow environment secretary, said:
While it is good to see the government taking forward Conservative policies to tackle puppy smuggling and livestock worrying, Labour is yet again favouring foreign farmers over British farmers by allowing substandard foreign imports to undercut our already-high welfare standards.
Labour have snuck this announcement out just before Christmas to avoid scrutiny, because they know that this will be another hammerblow to farming profitability. Once again, they have shown that they simply don’t care about rural Britain.
Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union, was on the Today programme this morning and he echoed these concerns – although his language was less alarmist than Atkins’.
Bradshaw told the programme:
We’ve seen from history that, if we don’t implement the changes that we want to have in our production systems here within our import standards, all we do is export our industry overseas.
We saw that with our pig industry back in 1999 where we used to produce 80% of our pork, but now we only produce about 45% …
We’ve got to make sure that we don’t drive food price inflation by adding a cost burden to the production system. The battery cages that have been banned are still in use in countries around the world, particularly in some of our Eastern European counterparts where we are importing eggs from those systems.
So what we in the National Farmers’ Union want is a system of fairness so that, if we have higher animal health and welfare standards here, then our imports have to meet those same standards of production.
Emma Reynolds, the environment secretary, has defended the plans, calling them “the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation”.
There is not much in the diary for today, but we are getting a No 10 lobby briefing at 11.30am.
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Updated at 10.38 CET
Japan is a step closer to restarting the world’s largest nuclear power plant for the first time since the Fukushima disaster.
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa was among 54 reactors shut down after a massive earthquake and tsunami crippled the Fukushima Daiichi plant in 2011.
On Monday, the Niigata prefectural assembly, where Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is located, approved a bill paving the way for Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to restart one of seven reactors at the plant.
TEPCO, which also operated the damaged Fukushima Daiichi plant, will now seek final permission from Japan’s nuclear regulator to restart operations.
Initially, only one of the seven reactors at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa will be put back online Image: Issei Kato/REUTERS
Japan increasing nuclear power generation
According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, the operator hopes to restart one of the seven reactors at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa on Jan. 20, with another 1.36-gigawatt reactor expected around 2030.
Some general facts about the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant:
- It is located about 220 km (136 miles) northwest of Tokyo
- It has a total capacity of 8.2 gigawatts
- This is enough to supply power to several million homes
- A single reactor could boost electricity supply to the Tokyo area by 2%
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office two months ago, has backed nuclear restarts to strengthen energy security and counter the cost of imported fossil fuels.
So far, Japan has restarted 14 of the country’s 33 reactors still considered operationally viable.
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa will become the first nuclear plant operated by TEPCO to resume operations since Fukushima.
After Fukushima, local communities remain uneasy
But not everyone is happy about restarting Kashiwazaki-Kariwa.
Around 300 protesters demonstrated outside the assembly on Monday against the decision.
“I am truly angry from the bottom of my heart,” Kenichiro Ishiyama, a 77-year-old protester from Niigata city, told the Reuters news agency after the vote.
“If something was to happen at the plant, we would be the ones to suffer the consequences.”
Many residents of Niigata are wary of a nuclear plant restartImage: Issei Kato/REUTERS
A survey published in October showed that 60% of residents did not think conditions for the restart had been met, and nearly 70% were worried about TEPCO operating the plant.
Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi, who backed the restart, described Monday’s decision as “a milestone,” but “not the end.”
“There is no end in terms of ensuring the safety of Niigata residents,” he said.
Edited by: Rana Taha
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The terror attack in Australia has renewed urgent warnings from intelligence officials and counterterrorism experts that global jihadist networks are intensifying their reach, even as Western governments continue to frame groups like ISIS as weakened or in retreat.
Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and one of the longest-running trackers of jihadist movements, said the Australia attack highlights a persistent miscalculation in Western capitals.
“We’ve always been quick to declare terrorist organizations defeated and insignificant, and that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Roggio told Fox News Digital.
Roggio, who is also managing editor of The Long War Journal, said ISIS remains far from dismantled despite the collapse of its territorial “caliphate.”
FAMILIES MOURN LOVED ONES LOST IN BONDI BEACH TERROR ATTACK: ‘NO WORDS CAN DESCRIBE THE PAIN’
People gather around a tribute for shooting victims outside the Bondi Pavilion at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, a day after a shooting. (Mark Baker/AP Photo)
“This attack in Australia is absolute proof that the Islamic State hasn’t been defeated,” he said. “These groups are still able to recruit and indoctrinate people. They still have safe havens.”
He pointed to ISIS’ enduring presence in Afghanistan. “I just read the U.N. report. There are 2,000 ISIS fighters there, according to the United Nations,” Roggio said. “That’s not what a defeated group looks like.”
Police inspect at the scene of a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 15, 2025. (DAVID GRAY / AFP via Getty Images)
Israeli officials say the threat revealed in Australia is part of a broader global pattern. Over the past year, they said, plots have been attempted or disrupted across Europe, North America, and elsewhere — signaling an escalating jihadist resurgence rather than isolated bursts of violence.
Corri Zoli, a research associate at Syracuse University’s Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute, said Western governments cannot ignore the indicators.
“Governments are on notice that there is a steep rise in the terrorist targeting of religious minorities, particularly those from the Jewish faith community and Israelis worldwide — a trend intelligence agencies say has accelerated in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas massacre, which killed more than 1,200 people in Israel,” Zoli said.
Roggio agrees the Israel–Hamas war has supercharged radicalization and emboldened extremists worldwide.
“With Israel’s war against Hamas, it’s given new life for people to attack Jews worldwide,” Roggio said. “It’s a further reason to radicalize.”
BYSTANDERS SEEN CONFRONTING AUSTRALIAN GUNMAN DURING ISIS-INSPIRED DEADLY RAMPAGE
Intelligence officials told Fox News Digital that extremist actors across ideological lines are leveraging the conflict to inspire supporters, amplify propaganda and justify attacks in the West. Terrorist organizations, they said, are adapting quickly — merging digital incitement with on-the-ground recruitment networks.
“Analysts at West Point’s Combating Terrorism Center warn these networks are probing for openings in Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States, exploiting ideological ecosystems that can radicalize individuals far from traditional battlefields,” Zoli said.
GLOBAL WAVE OF TERROR PLOTS SPARKS NEW ALARMS OVER THE WEST’S GROWING VULNERABILITY
A masked Islamic State terrorist poses holding the ISIS flag in 2015. (Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Zoli also noted that Australian authorities had acknowledged that the attacker’s family had been on the radar of domestic intelligence. Zoli said the son “Was known to Australian officials for his extremism since 2019 and his association with extremist imam Wissam Haddad, a habitual violator of Australia’s racial hatred laws at the Al Madina Dawah Centre and a prominent figure in the Street Dawah Movement. [He] also maintained close ties to Isaac El Matari, who claimed to be an Australian ISIS commander and is currently serving jail time for insurgency and firearms offenses,” she said.
Roggio rejects the notion that individuals like the two of them should be viewed as “lone wolves.”
“I disagree with that whole ‘lone wolf’ terminology,” he said, arguing that extremist ecosystems continue to provide ideological motivation, guidance and validation even when attackers act alone.
A senior intelligence source put it even more starkly: “Today is ISIS, tomorrow is Iran.”
PHILIPPINE AUTHORITIES GIVE UPDATE ON BONDI BEACH GUNMEN’S MOVEMENTS AMID SPECULATION ABOUT TERROR TRAINING
ISIS has long waged a recruitment and propaganda war online. (Reuters) (Reuters)
Roggio also stressed that the threat is not confined to ISIS but spans an interconnected web of jihadist actors.
“This isn’t just the Islamic State. It’s al Qaeda,” he said. “We were quick to declare al Qaeda defeated in Afghanistan. You read the U.N. reports, they’re still there. They’re in bed with the Taliban.” “These groups aren’t defeated,” he added. “They’re just operating differently.”
Morgan Murphy, a national security expert and former Trump White House official, and current U.S. Senate candidate in Alabama, told Fox News Digital that “Because of an unprecedented influx of unvetted, Islamist, fighting-age male migrants into both Europe and the United States, the West now faces a threat from within. That internal risk undermines our global leadership and drains resources that should be used to defend freedom abroad. This is a national security disaster created by the shortsighted policies of leaders like President Obama and Chancellor Angela Merkel, who welcomed so-called refugees without considering the long-term consequences for Western society.”
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A photo provided by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), showing an ISIS flag among the belongings of a Hamas terrorist. (Israeli Defense Forces)
Just because we want to declare the war against terror over doesn’t mean it’s over,” Roggio said. “We wanted to end our involvement in these wars, but the enemy gets a vote. That’s what we just saw in Australia.”
Efrat Lachter is an investigative reporter and war correspondent. Her work has taken her to 40 countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Iraq, Syria, Sudan and Afghanistan. She is a recipient of the 2024 Knight-Wallace Fellowship for Journalism. Lachter can be followed on X @efratlachter.
WORLD NEWS
Bondi Beach gunmen used ‘tennis ball bomb’ and filmed each other training for attack, police say
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The gunmen accused of carrying out the Bondi Beach attack used a “tennis ball bomb” among other explosives and practised shooting for weeks before the massacre, new court documents say.
Police allege the two gunmen were father-and-son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram. While Sajid Akram was shot dead by police, 24-year-old Naveed has been charged with 15 counts of murder over the attack targeting a seaside Hanukkah celebration on 13 December.
Naveed Akram conducted “firearms training” in a rural area of New South Wales and recorded it on video, alongside a video statement featuring his “justification” for the attack, court documents show.
The documents were made public after Mr Akram’s video court appearance on Monday from a Sydney hospital.
According to the police filings, he and his father threw four improvised explosive devices – three pipe bombs and a “tennis ball bomb” – towards the crowd involved in a Jewish event at Australia’s most popular beach, but they all failed to explode.
open image in gallery
Screen grab taken from a video dated in October 2025 issued by NSW Courts and Tribunals showing Sajid Akram conducting firearms training in a countryside location, suspected to be in NSW (NSW Courts and Tribunals/PA Wire)
When the explosives failed, the gunmen fired on members of the public with guns – police have said Sajid Akram was the licensed owner of multiple firearms. At least 14 people were killed at the scene, and one more person died from their injuries later in hospital.
Police believe the two “meticulously” planned the attack for several months and visited Bondi two days beforehand for reconnaissance, the documents say.
Australian authorities revoked a temporary suspension order on Monday, which was a police fact sheet protecting the identities of the survivors, and published the documents with redacted portions.
open image in gallery
Handout photo issued by NSW Courts and Tribunals purporting to show Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram shooting towards the crowd gathered within Archer Park, Bondi Beach (NSW Courts and Tribunals/PA Wire)
One video included in the court exhibits purports to show the father-son duo sitting in front of an image of an Isis flag. The video was taken on their mobile phones in October, police said.
They are heard making statements about their motivations for the attack, police said, adding that the two also condemned “the acts of ‘Zionists'”.
Mr Akram was also “recorded appearing to recite, in Arabic, a passage from the Quran”.
On the day of the attack, around 2am, the two men were seen leaving their rented accommodation – as captured on their CCTV – in the Sydney suburb of Campsie “carrying long and bulky items wrapped in blankets”, which they stored in their car.
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A map shows the location of the Bondi Beach terror attack (PA Graphics)
The two were carrying two single barrel shotguns, a Beretta rifle, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two Isis flags, according to the documents.
They were seen leaving their rental after 5pm and other footage showed them arriving at Bondi at 6.50pm where they parked and placed the flags on the windows, the police documents showed.
The charges against Naveed Akram include a terrorism offence, 15 counts of murder, and 40 counts relating to wound/grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder.
open image in gallery
Handout photo of one of two home-made painted Isis flags found in the vehicle used by Sajid and Naveed Akram (NSW Courts and Tribunals/PA Wire)
He has also been charged with the alleged firing of a weapon, displaying the symbol of a banned terrorist group, and placing an explosive device in or near a building.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, prosecutors will argue that Mr Akram’s actions were intended to advance a religious motive and were carried out in a way that caused deaths, inflicted severe injuries, and put the wider public at risk.
NEED TO KNOW
- On Saturday, Dec. 20, Khloé Kardashian shared several photos on Instagram from a bash hosted by Lauren Sánchez Bezos
- “I love spending Christmas time with these two,” Kris Jenner wrote, also sharing snaps from the festive outing on her Instagram
- Jenner wore an $8,500 Valentino shearling-trimmed wool and cashmere peacoat for the occasion, while Kardashian donned a Mimchik fur-trimmed gumdrop dress
Kris Jenner and Khloé Kardashian are getting in the holiday spirit with Lauren Sánchez Bezos!
Having celebrated her 56th birthday on Friday, Dec. 19, Sánchez Bezos hosted a festive bash over the weekend attended by Jenner, 70, and Kardashian, 41. Several snaps from the trios’ get together were shared on Instagram.
Jenner donned an $8,500 Valentino shearling-trimmed wool and cashmere peacoat for the occasion, teaming the outerwear, which featured a bow tied at the middle, with a pair of dazzling vintage Cartier earrings.
Meanwhile, Kardashian wore a Mimchik fur-trimmed gumdrop dress paired with a custom faux fur stole. The Good American co-founder added a pair of sunglasses and tights to complete the look.
Sánchez Bezos was photographed wearing an all-black ensemble with a leopard-print jacket as she posed alongside The Kardashians stars in a hallway complete with Christmas decorations and lights.
Among the multiple shots, Kardashian posed in fake snow while exiting a red Mercedes convertible, with Jenner joining her for another shot outside the vehicle. The mother and daughter also posed for a separate photo together inside the house.
Kris Jenner and Khloé Kardashian pose for festive photo.
Kris Jenner/Instagram
Kardashian wrote alongside the carousel of photos posted on Instagram, “The perfect night hosted by @laurensanchezbezos,” adding, “Lauren, you are simply THE BEST Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 ♥️”
Jenner also shared several snaps from the bash, writing on Instagram, “I love spending Christmas time with these two! ❤️🎅🏽🎄 @laurensanchezbezos @khloekardashian”
Sánchez Bezos reposted Jenner’s Instagram carousel on her Instagram Stories alongside a red heart, kiss, and Christmas tree emoji.
Kim Kardashian, 45, didn’t appear in her mom and sister’s snaps over the weekend, but she did mark Lauren’s birthday with a sweet post on her Instagram Stories.
“Happy Belated Birthday to the ultimate girls girl @laurensanchezbezos. You are always uplifting everyone around you,” Kim wrote, adding, “I’ve never met a more fun spirit in my life!!!! I love you.”
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Kim Kardashian shares birthday post for Lauren Sánchez Bezos.
Kim Kardashian/Instagram
The Kardashian family is close friends with Lauren. Kim and Kris Jenner were among those in attendance at her bachelorette party back in May at Lafayette’s in Paris, before the pair, along with Khloé and Kendall and Kylie Jenner, attended Sánchez Bezos’ wedding to Jeff Bezos on June 27 of this year.
Sánchez Bezos shared an Instagram reel featuring some of her favorite moments from the past year to mark her birthday on Friday, which included pics and videos from her special day.
The Emmy-winning journalist tied the knot with the Amazon founder, 61, in a star-studded ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy.
“Another trip around the sun and if you had told me when I was a little girl this is what life would look like at 56, I’m not sure I would’ve believed you… and it’s not even about the big moments,” she wrote in her caption. “The wedding was beautiful, but what stayed with me were our kids’ words.”
She and her husband have a blended family — Bezos has four children, and Sánchez Bezos has three: son Nikko, 24, with ex Tony Gonzalez, and son Evan, 19, and daughter Ella, 17, with ex Patrick Whitesell.
Elsewhere in the post, Sánchez Bezos highlighted her other major achievements — writing her first book, The Fly Who Flew to Space, going on a round-trip mission to the edge of space with Bezos’ company, Blue Origin, and dropping her son, Evan, off at college.
- Have YOU been affected? Email tom.lawrence@dailymail.co.uk
A major incident has been declared after a huge sinkhole opened up beneath a canal in Shropshire.
Emergency services are on the scene in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch after the gaping hole, around 50 metres by 50 metres in size, started to develop at 4.22am.
Firefighters were called to rescue occupants of three narrowboats after the section of the canal they were moored in completely drained of water.
Crews battled through ‘unstable ground and rapidly moving water’ as they began the rescue.
The crews helped rescue more than 10 members of the public.
The canal bank collapsed leaving large volumes of water escaping into the surrounding land.
Residents have been urged to avoid the area, while they respond to the incident.
A sinkhole, 50 metres by 50 metres in size opened up in a canal in Shropshire
Firefighters rushed to rescue around 10 crew members from canal boats as the sinkhole opened up
Three boats were caught up in a section of the canal which completely drained with water
Fire crews were joined by West Mercia Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service (including HART), the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, local authority emergency planning officers, and National Resilience.
A spokesperson for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Firefighters have been working in challenging conditions with unstable ground and rapidly moving water, crews immediately established upstream and downstream safety sectors and began mitigating water flow using barge boards and water gate systems.’
Area Manager Scott Hurford added: ‘We can confirm no persons are believed to be on board the affected canal boats, and no injuries have been reported.
‘Approximately 12 residents from nearby moored boats are being supported and relocated to a welfare centre at the former Whitchurch Police Station.
‘A major incident was declared at 5.17am however as of 8.30am the situation was stable with water flow reduced and there is no ongoing search and rescue activity.
‘Multiagency attendance remains in place to manage the environmental impact, protect nearby properties, and ensure public safety. Please avoid the area while we continue to deal with this significant incident.’
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: ‘A major incident had been declared in Shropshire following reports of a sinkhole affecting a canal in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch.
‘Emergency services are currently on scene, and a multi-agency response has been set up, co-ordinated through the Shropshire Tactical Co-ordination Group (TCG).
‘There are currently no reports of any casualties, and residents are being assisted by the fire service.
‘We ask that people avoid the area and seek alternate routes. Further updates will be provided when we are able to do so.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow